Invoking Flows from Process Builder is a powerful automation technique in Salesforce that allows administrators to leverage the strengths of both tools. Process Builder serves as the trigger mechanism, while Flow provides more complex logic and functionality that Process Builder alone cannot achiev…Invoking Flows from Process Builder is a powerful automation technique in Salesforce that allows administrators to leverage the strengths of both tools. Process Builder serves as the trigger mechanism, while Flow provides more complex logic and functionality that Process Builder alone cannot achieve.
When you invoke a Flow from Process Builder, you create a seamless automation chain. Process Builder excels at monitoring record changes and evaluating criteria, while Flow handles sophisticated operations like loops, screen interactions, and complex data manipulations.
To set up this integration, first create your Flow in Flow Builder. The Flow should be an Autolaunched Flow type since it will run in the background when triggered by Process Builder. Ensure your Flow has input variables defined if you need to pass data from Process Builder.
In Process Builder, create your process and define the criteria that should trigger the automation. Under the action group, select 'Flows' as your action type. Choose your target Flow from the available list and map the required variables. You can pass record field values, formulas, or static values to the Flow's input variables.
This approach is particularly useful for scenarios requiring multiple record updates across different objects, sending custom notifications, performing calculations, or executing conditional logic that exceeds Process Builder's native capabilities.
Key considerations include ensuring proper variable mapping between Process Builder and Flow, testing thoroughly in sandbox environments, and monitoring governor limits since both tools consume resources. Remember that Autolaunched Flows invoked from Process Builder run in system context, which affects sharing and security considerations.
Note that Salesforce recommends migrating Process Builder automations to Flow, as Flow now supports record-triggered capabilities that previously required Process Builder. However, understanding this integration remains valuable for maintaining existing automations and understanding Salesforce's automation evolution.
Invoking Flows from Process Builder: A Complete Guide
Why Is This Important?
Understanding how to invoke flows from Process Builder is crucial for Salesforce Administrators because it allows you to extend automation capabilities beyond what Process Builder can do alone. This integration enables complex business logic, screen interactions, and advanced data manipulations that Process Builder cannot handle independently. For the Salesforce Administrator certification exam, this topic falls under the Workflow and Process Automation section, which typically accounts for 8% of the exam.
What Is Invoking Flows from Process Builder?
Invoking a flow from Process Builder means using Process Builder as a trigger mechanism to launch an autolaunched flow. Process Builder acts as the starting point that detects when specific criteria are met on a record, and then hands off the execution to a more powerful flow for complex processing.
Key characteristics include: - Process Builder can only call autolaunched flows (not screen flows) - The flow runs in the same transaction as the Process Builder - Variables can be passed from Process Builder to the flow - This creates a powerful combination of declarative automation tools
How Does It Work?
1. Create an Autolaunched Flow: Build your flow in Flow Builder with the type set to Autolaunched Flow. Define input variables that will receive data from Process Builder.
2. Configure Process Builder: Create or edit a process in Process Builder. Set your object and criteria for when the process should fire.
3. Add the Flow Action: In the Immediate Actions or Scheduled Actions section, select the action type as Flows. Choose your autolaunched flow from the list.
4. Map Variables: Pass relevant field values or record IDs from the triggering record to the flow's input variables. This allows the flow to work with the correct data.
5. Activate: Activate both the flow and the process for the automation to function.
Common Use Cases: - Complex record updates across multiple objects - Conditional logic that exceeds Process Builder's capabilities - Looping through related records - Calling Apex actions through the flow - Sending custom notifications based on complex criteria
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Invoking Flows from Process Builder
1. Remember the Flow Type: Exam questions often test whether you know that only autolaunched flows can be invoked from Process Builder. Screen flows require user interaction and cannot be called this way.
2. Understand Variable Passing: Know that you can pass values from the Process Builder record to flow input variables. Questions may ask how data gets from the triggering record to the flow.
3. Transaction Context: The flow runs in the same transaction as Process Builder. If the flow fails, the entire transaction rolls back, including changes made by Process Builder.
4. Order of Execution: Be familiar with where Process Builder and flows fit in the Salesforce order of execution. This knowledge helps answer scenario-based questions.
5. Scheduled Actions Limitation: Flows can be invoked as scheduled actions in Process Builder, but remember that scheduled actions have specific limitations regarding field updates after scheduling.
6. Watch for Trick Answers: Options mentioning screen flows being called from Process Builder are incorrect. Also, be cautious of answers suggesting flows can trigger Process Builder (the relationship works one way in this context).
7. Scenario Recognition: When a question describes needing loops, complex branching, or operations Process Builder cannot perform, look for answers involving flow invocation.
8. Retirement Notice: Be aware that Salesforce has retired Process Builder for new automations as of 2023, recommending Flow Builder instead. However, existing processes still function, and exam questions may still cover this integration.